Types of the 2¢ Washington
Type Ia
Also See: Quick and dirty guide to the Types of the 2¢ Offset Washington
1. Left Ribbon
One line at the end of the left ribbon. This suggests the stamp is either Type I, Ia, or II.
2. Right Ribbon
One line of shading in the last fold of the right ribbon.
3. Toga Rope
The line at the top of the toga rope is well defined and sharp. The lines of the rope are consistent and do not seem to change in width from the toga rope into the toga itself. This is a defining feature of the Type Ia and Type II stamps.
4. Toga Button
The lines in the toga button are well defined and sharp. In particular, the top outline of the toga button is complete. This is a defining feature of the Type Ia stamp.
5. Middle of Right Ribbon
The line to the immediate right of the fold in the ribbon appears either solid or partially broken. This is a typical example. It will never have three distinct sharp dashes as those in the Type II and III stamps.
6. Line Between Cheek & Sideburn
The horizontal lines to the immediate left of the sideburn are lightly joined. This is a typical example, the bottom 4 lines are lightly joined. However, it will never have 5 lines strongly joined as in the Type II stamp.
7. Line Under Ear
The white line under the ear is not quite as pronounced in the Type Ia stamp as in the Type I. This is actually a break in the horizontally printed lines below the ear. The line is even lighter in the Type II and III stamps.
8. Shape of Mouth
The line of the mouth is straight across and may even curve upward slightly in the corner.
9. Locks of Hair
The bottom two locks of hair do not extend to the vertical lock of hair just to the right of them. This is another defining feature of Type I and Ia stamps.
10. Top Right Laurel Berry
The top right laurel berry is an indistinct blob, sometimes slightly larger on the Ia than the I and II.
